The threat landscape is always changing and the tactics hackers are using continue to evolve. We need to continue sharing information and educating ourselves in order to protect each other from these advanced attacks. We took it upon ourselves to gather data from home users to find out patterns in our community and in our daily lives.
Does everyone use cybersecurity?
We were surprised to find that 14% of users surveyed don't use any cybersecurity at all. Foregoing an antivirus solution and neglecting to layer your security approach exposes you and your connected devices to an onslaught of malware and phishing attacks.
Are you CyberSmart?
Given how many free antivirus solutions are available, the number of survey participants who still don’t use any device protection was much higher than we expected. (Do keep in mind, however, that a large number of the free solutions come with potentially unwanted applications in tow. When it comes to cybersecurity, you tend to get what you pay for.)
No matter which protection you choose to use, we recommend taking a few simple steps to minimize your risk of being targeted by attackers. Enabling automatic updates for your operating system, apps, and programs, and layering your Wi-Fi security are easy but effective ways to close the gap. Also, be sure to use strong, unique passwords for your sensitive accounts. Although you’ve probably heard that one before, you’d be amazed at how many people still reuse passwords between various accounts, including their banking and other financial logins.
45% of internet users admitted to reusing their passwords. If you’re one of them, and you find yourself thinking, “but I have so many logins and it’s too hard to remember all my different passwords,” we understand. We’ve all faced this question at one time or another during the internet age. But you can use a secure password manager to ease the burden of having to keep track of so many credentials.
My Webroot, Anywhere.
Whether you’re already part of the family, want to take Webroot SecureAnywhere® for a free test drive, or purchase for 25% off, we provide an online management account where you can centrally control your various connected home and mobile devices (and also manage your passwords.) You can also help your friends and networks become CyberSmart by sharing this blog post or by sending a Tweet to your network.
